We are pleased to announce that we have won the Super Service Award from Angie’s List for the 3rd straight year!

Dutchess Custom Awnings has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2015.

“We are honored to accept this award. At Dutchess Custom Awnings we our commitment to quality and superior service is demonstrated by our extensive guarantees on workmanship, materials and installation. All too often attention to quality, detail and service is overlooked; it is our insistence on excellence that sets us apart from the competition.”

“Only about 5 percent of the awning companies in the state of New York have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2015 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

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Dutchess Custom Awnings is a family owned and operated business with over 25 years of awning experience. We offer exceptional customer service matched only by our commitment to customer satisfaction. We gladly service Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties as well as Danbury, CT and the surrounding area. Our new showroom located at 1075 Route 82 Hopewell Junction, NY offers 15 styles of awnings and hundreds of fabrics on display. For more information call us at 845-226-3039 or visit our website at www.dutchessawnings.com.

Angie’s List helps facilitate happy transactions between more than three million consumers nationwide and its collection of highly rated service providers in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to health care. Built on a foundation of more than 10 million verified reviews of local service, Angie’s List connects consumers directly to its online marketplace of services from member-reviewed providers, and offers unique tools and support designed to improve the local service experience for both consumers and service professionals.

“I don’t want a fun vacation” said no one ever!

The Hudson Valley offers so much to do – museums, historic sites, wonderful restaurants, and scenic views. All perfect day trips! I mention this because more and more families are opting to stay home for their vacation.

So, how can you enhance your “staycation” experience? Look to your backyard! A deck, with comfortable lounging chairs and table – and a grill for barbecuing make it a great place for leisurely meals. However, we all know how the hot sun can spoil your fun. Not only is exposure to the sun’s rays harmful, the sun can make it unpleasant to spend time on your deck.

We have the solution: an awning! An Eclipse awning is not only practical but attractive, adding “backyard” appeal to your home. Did you know that the temperature under an awning can be up to 18 degrees cooler than the surrounding area?

Don’t wait until Spring or Summer to call us. Winter is the perfect time to let us show you how to make your backyard the perfect spot to spend hot Summer days. By planning ahead you won’t lose a day of fun in your backyard.

While we may enjoy basking in the sun, it is a well known fact that it is not healthy to do so. There are obvious reasons to avoid the sun. While necessary for us to enjoy life on this planet, we should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun because it can be destructive.

According to the Library of Congress, lack of proper protection from the sun’s rays subjects the contents of your home to fading (also known as photodegradation). Furniture and drapes immediately come to mind but there is so much more that is affected by the sun. Ultraviolet rays break down the dyes in everyday objects in our homes causing the colors to fade – it has a bleaching effect. Some objects are especially prone to fading, such as dyed textiles.

Interestingly, I can attest to the fading of furniture based upon my personal experience. I recently purchased a model home which was furnished and had no window treatments. The windows in the family room have a SouthEast exposure with full sun every morning until about 1:00 pm. I assumed the blue chair was a light denim color; however, when I removed the decorative pillow, I discovered it was originally a bright blue.

Sunlight will fade quartz counter tops. Dark colors are noticeably faded in just a few weeks of direct sunlight. Hard wood flooring is also subject to fading. It is obvious when you move a rug by a window without shades, drapes or an awning, you’ll see the floor under the rug is a different color than the exposed flooring.

Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight will fade the colors in artwork, whether it is an oil painting, watercolor or print. It is important to consider this when hanging artwork.

Of course, there are other benefits of protecting your home’s interior from ultraviolet rays. During the warmer months, your home will be noticeably cooler, thus saving money on air conditioning.

So How Do You, As A Homeowner, Deal With The Sun?

Dutchess Awnings has suggestions!

We offer Eclipse interior mounted retractable shades, both manually operated or motorized which are available in several styles. These shades feature GreenGuard Certified fabrics that are ideal for any residential or commercial location.

Earlier I mentioned that window awnings are a popular option to block the sun’s UV rays. These window awnings protect your possessions, save $$ on energy bills, offer protection from the elements and add curb appeal.

Let us help you deal with the sun. Give us a call at (845) 226-3039 and in Connecticut, (203) 942-2474

Summer temps can reach uncomfortable levels and we all look for ways to keep cool. Not everyone is lucky enough to have tall trees around their home.

About 1/3 of unwanted heat that builds up in your home comes in through the roof. One way to reflect some of this heat is to install a radiant barrier on the underside of your roof. A radiant barrier is a sheet of aluminum with a paper backing. When installed properly it can reduce heat gain through the roof by as much as 25%. Roofs can be painted with a light color heat-reflective paint which also keeps the building cooler.

Not opening windows during the day and blocking the sun goes a long way to keeping your home’s interior cool. Drawing curtains during the day also keeps your home cooler. Exterior solar shades installed on the Southern and Western exposures are extremely effective in keeping temps down. However, if the outside temperature falls below 70 degrees, it is a good idea to turn off the air conditioning and open the windows instead. Caulk around all windows and doors to prevent cool air from escaping in the Summer and warm air in the Winter.

Attic fans are especially effective if, at night when it’s cooler outside and the windows are open, the fan draws that cooler air inside pushing the warmer air out through attic vents. Ceiling fans work well when it is not extremely hot or humid because the movement of the air across your skin has a cooling effect. Even an oscillating room fan can make a difference.

Avoid using ovens or other heat producing appliances during the daytime hours and use dryers and dishwashers at night when temps are cooler.

Many homes have air conditioners, and there are steps you can take to save money and still be cool. Setting the thermometer at 78 degrees when you’re home and 80 degrees when you’re away will keep the house comfortable and save you money. Close the doors to rooms that are not being used – no need to cool them! Consider installing a programmable thermostat, preset to the money saving temperatures. When on vacation, consider turning the air conditioner off.

Energy Star is an Environmental Protection Agency program whose mission is to help businesses and individuals save money and protect the climate through energy efficiency. According to Energy Star, it is better to shade the outside of the window than the inside. In that regard, awnings are extremely effective in keeping a building’s interior cool.

In an article found in the Washington Post, the Department of Energy estimates that awnings can reduce solar heat gain (the amount temperatures rise because of sunshine) by as much as 65% on windows facing Southern exposures and 77% on those with Western exposures. Whether you choose one of the many styles of window awnings or a retractable over patio doors, the cooling effect is noticeable.

(845) 226-3039

Wikipedia states that bait-and-switch is a form of fraud sometimes used in retail sales. First, customers are “baited” by merchants advertising products or services at a low price, but when customers visit the store, they discover the advertised goods are not available, or the customers are pressured by sales people to consider similar, but higher priced items (“switching”).

A customer recently visited our Dutchess Awnings showroom in Dutchess County inquiring about our awnings, fabrics and warranties. He said he had purchased an awning from a company which advertises on television and when his awning broke after two years, he learned that parts were not available. It was suggested he purchase a new awning. He was frustrated because he felt that warranties are no good if your awning cannot be repaired! This customer decided to purchase a high quality retractable awning from Dutchess Awnings, this time with a very clear understanding that we honor our product warranties. Had he purchased his first awning from a company that stands behind its products, he would have saved money!

Here are some important things to consider when purchasing products or services to AVOID bait-and-switch:

Legitimate dealers never want to lose money on a sale; a buyer should ask himself if a seller can afford to sell “at that price”. Usually, rock-bottom prices for high-end products or services are onlyavailable when a seller is going out of business or needs to raise money for some expenditure.

When purchasing a product or service, ALWAYS read the fine print. A seller must state in the ad if there is limited availability of the product on sale. If the seller does not do so and attempts to persuade the customer to purchase another product because the original deal is unavailable, it is a crime and they can be sued. The manufacturer of the product may also sue for trademark infringement if used for bait. Ask the seller about “limited quantities” and “while supplies last”.

Another bait and switch tactic is confusing pricing terms. If buying on an installment plan, be sure to have a full and complete understanding of “monthly payments” and full details of the length of the payment term. Sometimes a seller will offer the product on sale but trick the customer into accepting different pricing terms.

Only buy from a reputable dealer, someone who is established in the community, such as one with an office or showroom.

If they are to preforming a service, make sure they are insured! This will protect you, as a home or business owner for any liability or damage loss cause by the company hired.

Lastly, read consumer reviews on sites such as Yelp and Angie’s List and visit a company’s website and Facebook page. This will give you a better understanding of what the company is all about.

If you want more information or are interested in purchasing an awning please give us a call at 845-226-3039 or in CT: 203-942-2474. We service the Hudson Valley area and, as always, there is no obligation.

The majority of homeowners, when considering an awning or canopy for their deck or patio, choose a retractable awning. However, before making a decision there are several points which should be considered.

At Dutchess Awnings, we ask, “how do you plan to use the awning?” If you are looking for shade on demand and, in the case of light rain showers, protection from the rain, then a retractable awning is the right choice.

A stationary (also referred to as a patio) awning is another option. Dutchess Awnings custom designs and builds the galvanized steel frame and assembles it at your home. This way we can accomodate a unique structural feature such as pop-outs or chimneys, etc. We install the fabric on the frame which should be removed each Fall, before the first snow. Fabric takedown is something you can do yourself; however, we recommend having a qualified professional installer like Dutchess Awnings place the fabric on the frame each Spring. The great thing about owning a stationary awning is it provides you with shade all Summer as well as protection from the rain! Read more [+]

Here in the NorthEast, it’s been a long, cold and snowy Winter. While shoveling the snow from walkways and sidewalks, it may seem that the warm, sunny days of Summer are far away. However, Spring weather is just around the corner! That means Summer is not far behind.

It’s not too soon to start thinking about what steps you should take to make your yard more comfortable and a place where you and your family will want to spend time this Summer. No one will enjoy a patio or deck if they’re baking in the hot sun. Not only is it unhealthy to have all that sun exposure, it is also uncomfortable.

Ordeal

Ideal!

We can help turn what could be an ordeal into an ideal! The great thing about an awning or pergola is that it is completely customizable to your style. Start by choosing your fabric. We offer a wide selection of solids, stripes and patterns available in quality woven acrylic fabrics. Then, decide on the style of awning that best suites your needs. Does your outdoor space get too much sun? Is dining al’ fresco an unrealistic dream? We recommend a stationary awning. However, there are a variety of styles including retractable, free standing and pergola style awnings. Read more [+]

Dutchess Custom Awnings has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the local services marketplace and consumer review site in 2014.

We at Dutchess Custom Awnings would like to thank our customers for their continued support! We thrive as a business because of you. We look forward to another successful year as we continue to expand our product line and services.

“Only about 5 percent of the awning companies in Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess County have performed so consistently well enough to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a really high standard.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2014 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality.

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Dutchess Custom Awnings is a family owned and operated business with over 25 years of awning experience. We offer exceptional customer service matched only by our commitment to customer satisfaction. We gladly service Dutchess, Ulster, and Orange counties as well as Danbury, CT and the surrounding area. Our new showroom located at 1075 Route 82 Hopewell Junction, NY offers 15 styles of awnings and hundreds of fabrics on display. For more information call us at 845-226-3039 or visit our website at www.dutchessawnings.com.

Fall has arrived! The warm Summer days are a memory and it is time to put the patio furniture in the shed, close the pool for the season, and take a close look at your awning. Your awning has served you well with very little or no maintenance required. However, wear & tear and age can cause the seams to weaken. The cold Winter months are the perfect time to allow Dutchess Awnings to reinforce all stitching if it is needed. During the awning season, your awning can accumulate dust, pollen, bird droppings, etc. Mildew will not grow on an awning of woven acrylic fabric such as Sunbrella unless there is organic matter on the fabric. That’s why an occasional rinse with the garden hose is a good idea. To maintain your fabric, gently brush off any solid debris. Then, with the hose, spray the awning fabric. You may use a soft bristle brush and warm soapy water to spot clean; then rinse with the hose. There are times when this is not enough. Older awnings may be soiled to the point where they require a professional cleaning. Some smaller awnings, such as door and window awnings may be cleaned on site using environmentally friendly chemicals. In many instances, however, the awning fabric must be removed from the frame and hand scrubbed. After a thorough cleaning, the fabric is rinsed, treated to restore water repellency and dried.

Occasionally, the awning may be in good shape but the valance may appear frayed. Dutchess Awnings can clean the valance and our sewer can replace the binding. This will enhance the appearance of your awning and give it that crisp, new look.

Call us @ (845) 226-3039 and in Connecticut, (203)942-2474 for more information. Or, visit us in our showroom located at 1075 Rt. 82, Suite 7, Hopewell Junction, NY.

The vast majority of residential awnings which we install in the Hudson Valley are in the backyard of a home, over a patio or deck, or pool side…Perfect application to provide the shade a homeowner wants on those hot Summer days. A retractable awning or a stationary awning offers protection from UV rays and shields the home from the hot Summer sun. This, in turn, keeps the interior of the home cooler (thereby reducing air conditioning costs).

However, consider a benefit offered by awnings which doesn’t get mentioned too often. Curb appeal!

Of course, the homeowner gets all the advantages an awning has to offer, UV protection and the fact that the house remains cooler, but an awning over a front porch can really dress up a home. Our staff considers the type of architecture and then can recommend the right style of awning. From Victorian to Modern, there is an awning suited for your home. Once installed, you will be able to enjoy your porch all day and not be forced inside because of the strong Summer sun.

Another way to increase the curb appeal of your home is to add window awnings. With hundreds of fabric patterns and colors from which to choose, the placement of window awnings acts much like jewelry on your house. There are several styles of window awnings and you may like a fixed frame or retractable. A fixed frame remains in the projected position all year long while a retractable window awning (available in several styles) can be retracted in the Winter months, should you want the sun exposure. Some homeowners also have an awning over the front door. Both practical and attractive, it too adds to the curb appeal of the home.

Here in the Hudson Valley, there is a charming cape-style home in our neighborhood which has window awnings and the homeowner changes the fabric with the seasons. For example, during the winter holiday season, the awnings are red and green. While you don’t have to change fabric, we offer so many colors and patterns, we’re certain you will find one to perfectly compliment your house. The awning fabric is 100% solution-dyed acrylic yarn and is fade resistant and is virtually maintenance free.

Another option is aluminum awnings. Aluminum awnings are very popular and require almost no maintenance. They too are available in a retractable style and there are many colors from which to choose.

Some homes are better suited for shades. We install interior or exterior roller shades, either motorized or manual, in a variety of colors and styles. These shades reduce direct light and glare and provide the shade you need.

Take note of homes in your area and observe how your neighbors have used either shades or awnings to get the shade they need. You may find an example which would suit your home perfectly!

If you want more information or are interested in purchasing an awning please give us a call at 845-226-3039 or in CT: 203-942-2474. We service the Hudson Valley area and, as always, there is no obligation.